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Valentines Day with Sally Hansen and Rimmel London!

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

YOUR OWN, PERSONAL ALWAYS-ON SALON: INTRODUCING SALLY HANSEN’S NEWLY FORMULATED INSTA-DRI NAIL COLOR COLLECTION
Score an extra day of wear and up to 33% more chip resistance, all while adding the final touch to your ensemble in an instant
Why involve multiple bottles when a lightning-speed mani is at your fingertips? Sally Hansen Insta-Dri® Nail Color’s newly upgraded 3-in-1 formula with built-in base and top coat offers shiny, extended wear in a single step. The new Insta-Dri is housed in an updated bottle adorned with a gorgeous new logo and comes complete with color-matched caps for a modern, sleek feel and easy shade navigation. The revamped formula delivers an extra day of wear and chip resistance, so you can take that nail look to go- anywhere, anytime. With up to 33% longer wear and chip resistance, up to or almost 3x as many consumers preferred the new formula versus the former. Get ready on the go with Insta-Dri’s brush that covers in one stroke. One stroke, one coat, and you’re done!
Shades available: Watermelon Wizz, ASAP Apple, Peppy Le Fuchsia, Rapid Red.
RIMMEL LONDON STAY MATTE LIQUID LIP COLOUR ($5.79)
Get ready for a bold, matte lip-look that stays on. Rimmel London introduces Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour, a new liquid lipstick with high-intensity colour, a velvety matte finish and a long-lasting, comfortable wear.
Shades shown below in Heartbeat and Firestarter
Look for these products where Sally Hansen and Rimmel products are sold.
Self Disclosure: Images and Information were provided. Samples were provided to post. 
Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Ling Ling Asian Food!

February 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by Ling Ling, all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Are you excited about the Chinese New Year? I know I am! I can’t wait to go to my local grocery store and purchase Ling Ling Asian Entrees!  

I couldn’t wait for the Chinese New Year to try the Ling Ling Chinese-Style Vegetable Fried Rice! I love that this one is super easy to make and is vegetarian! It tastes delicious and it can be made in the microwave or in a skillet. What impressed me the most is how fresh it tastes! I decided to make some super easy Lettuce Wraps to serve with this delicious rice!

          

The SoCal City Kids Easy Lettuce Wraps!

What you will need:

4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breasts (Cut chicken into strips and then cut into bite size pieces), 4 TBS Olive Oil, San J Gluten Free Sweet & Tangy Polynesian Glazing Sauce, 1 medium orange and 1 medium yellow bell pepper, 1/2 cup chopped green onion, 4 stalks celery, chopped, 2 TBS brown sugar,Soy Sauce, 2 cups shredded uncooked carrots and 1/8 cup cashews (crushed and are optional). You can also add additional sauce if you would like.

Simple Directions:

Add 2 TBS Olive Oil to pre-heated skillet. Cook the chicken until golden brown. Add 2 TBS of San J Gluten Free Sweet & Tangy Polynesian Sauce while chicken is cooking. After the chicken is golden brown remove from skillet temporarily-set aside the chicken. Cut the bell-peppers into thin bite-size  strips. The green onions and celery should be chopped. In the pre-heated skillet, put 2 TBS olive oil (you can add salt and pepper to taste-this is optional…I did not add) and add the celery and bell-peppers.  Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.  Add 1 TBS Less Sodium Soy Sauce, 1 TBS of the Sweet & Tangy Sauce. Then add the green onions and 2 TBS of brown sugar. Stir and saute for 3 minutes or so and then add the chicken and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

I used Butter Lettuce for the wraps so you simply separate the lettuce, add a spoonful or two to the wrap, add shredded carrots and the optional crushed cashews..and viola! You have a quick and easy Lettuce wrap that is quite tasty with the Ling Ling Vegetarian Fried Rice! You can add additional sauce to taste and it will feed a family of 4! It’s also super quick to make so is great for weekdays.

I found that the Ling Ling Asian Vegetarian Chinese-Style Vegetable Fried Rice tasted great with these easy Lettuce Wraps! You can find out where to buy Ling Ling Asian food products here.

Amazing fun fact about Ling Ling: Did you know that Ling Ling traveled the continent to collect recipes from China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand so we can experience the best of each region? I think that is quite impressive and I can’t wait to try their Noodles and Potstickers for Chinese New Year!

So, how are you celebrating Chinese New Year? I know I will be celebrating with a family feast which will include Ling Ling and I plan to follow some of the Chinese New Year traditions.  Remember! Washing your hair is not allowed because you will wash away your good luck for the year and that greeting friends with oranges or tangerines during the New Year will ensure that your friendships remain intact. So, I think all my good friends and family will be receiving tangerines this year!

Happy Chinese New Year!

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

The Not-Its! Rock Torrance’s Armstrong Theater Sunday!

February 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation presents an all-ages rock show featuring Seattle-based The Not-Its! on Sunday, February 11 at 2 pm. The highly interactive dance party will be held at the James R. Armstrong Theater, and tickets ($10 to $20) are available now online. 
 
For more than eight years now, The Not-Its! have rocked kids and families with their uptempo albums and live concerts. These high-jumping performers give children their first “rock show” experience. With six acclaimed and award-winning albums, this high-jumping quintet has risen to become one of the top touring bands in the nation’s “kindie rock” movement. They’re currently writing and recording new songs for their seventh album to be released later this year.
 
The Not-Its! are hailed by USA Today for their “smart, catchy children’s music.”  Time Out New York recommends their “90s power-punk sound with lush, four-part pop harmonies that will take parents back to their show-going days.”
 
The Not-Its! may be the nation’s best-dressed kids’ band, sporting skinny pink ties and fluffy pink tutus that appeal to kids’ discerning fashion sense. Their high-energy stage performances bring audiences on their feet and jumping around with delight. Lead singer Sarah Shannon is well known for her work with the ’90s rock group Velocity Girl. Drummer Michael Welke played with Harvey Danger, and band mates Danny Adamson, Tom Baisden, Jennie Helman can all boast of past lives as touring rock stars. The Not-Its! are part of a creative collaborative group known as the Seattle Kindiependent (along with Caspar Babypants and Recess Monkey), making Puget Sound “Ground Zero for cool kids’ music” (MSN.com).  In addition to this rare So Cal show, the band will also perform in Washington, DC, and New York City this winter. 

Learn more about The Not-Its! at www.wearethenot-its.com
Check out hilarious Not-Its! music videos here:  http://www.wearethenot-its.com/videos/
Credit: Sugar Mountain PR.
Filed Under: Archived Content

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

February 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Photo by Laura Ockel on Unsplash

 Are you looking for great gift ideas for Valentine’s Day?
Here are a some of my favorites!
Does your special someone love coffee? This one will be a hit! Melitta Coffee: Something to Warm Their Heart!

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with Melitta Coffee. For the coffee lover in your life, Melitta has a number of chic, affordable (all under $30.00) items that make for a thoughtful, unique Valentine’s gift (and a great cup of coffee)!

  • For the clumsy – For the first time, Melitta is offering a pour-over made out of Tritan™ material, making it shatter resistant. Perfect for travelers and people on-the-go, as well as those that are not to be trusted with breakable items. $14.99
  • For the traditionalist – The new porcelain versions offer those with classic tastes a variety of matte options as well as the ever-popular gloss white. $19.99
  • For the style conscious – The new metallic finished versions offer a modern take on the classic design that bring an added touch of sophistication to any kitchen. $29.99

 

 This next one is a bit different and I love this educational and unique gift idea! GIANTmicrobes – Educational & Humorous Hearts & STDs.
       
Here’s an adorable collection of hearts and STDs, to help express yourself when you just can’t find the right words… It’s the perfect gift for your significant other, co-worker, friend or even an EX. From Heart of Gold, Broken Heart, Heart to Heart, Cupid’s Heart, Sperm and Egg Cell, to Kissing Disease, Herpes, Chlamydia, HPV, and Penicillin – GIANTmicrobes has an entertaining critter for EVERY occasion! And if you can’t find the perfect one, get five! The Valentine’s Day themed gift sets include a variety of mini microbes in their Heart Burned, Heart Warming and Tainted Love boxes! I love this unique idea!
Find out more here!

I also received one of my own GIANTmicrobes and I love how unique these are! Check out the website at:

This next one would make a great gift for your special someone!
I love both of these items from Organic Aromas. Their new Opulence diffuser. made from ceramic would make a wonderful gift. I like that it is actually pretty quiet. Many diffusers aren’t as quiet as this one. It is made of ceramic and I love the unique shape! It’s also quite powerful. I gave this to my husband and he uses it all the time! The Discovery Collection is a must buy to go with the diffuser.  There are 40 different single, organic and blended essential oils in cute little 2ml custom glass vials.I love this because you can find which of the 40 scents is your favorite.
You can find both on Amazon.com. Check out their website too!
Do you have a man in your life that likes socks? Yes! Socks are a great gift item!
     
And, an even greater idea is a men’s sock subscription with a social cause! Society Socks (www.mysocietysocks.com is a great one to check out! I love the designs on the socks, and they are high-quality socks! I highly recommend this one. This monthly subscription includes 2 stylish pairs each month and 2 pairs are donated to those in need. Now, how cool is that?! Also, free shipping worldwide on your sock subscription.
This next one is a personal favorite of mine and I really recommend it for anyone who loves to meditate! This year I am actually trying to practice this more myself! 
The Crystal Cove Collection Meditation Pillow is Designed by LA yoga instructor Angela Kukhahn. It is simply amazing! I love the design and that it is comfortable and soft. The design is actually waves that were inspired by the surf and tide pools found at California’s Crystal Cove State Park. I think that is really amazing! You can find this amazing pillow at https://www.brentwoodhome.com.
 And Hallmark always has the best cards! This Valentine’s Day..give a card and some vinyl! This is just too cool! Look for them at your local Hallmark stores!
Self Disclosure: I received samples to feature. Images were provided on many of the products. Society Socks Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids.
Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Santa Monica Place Rings In Lunar New Year 2.17

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The Lion Dancer interacts with guests at Santa Monica Place’s 2017 Lunar New Year celebration. (Photo Courtesy of Santa Monica Place)

Santa Monica Place commemorates the Year of the Dog with its annual Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 17 from 2 – 6 p.m. Hosted by Katherine Ho from The Voice on NBC, celebrations will include authentic cultural performances and activities such as the traditional Chinese dragon dance, Korean fan dance, stilt walkers, classical folk music from a Chinese musical duo, New Year’s Wishing Trees and family-friendly arts and crafts for all to enjoy.

Located steps away from the Pacific Ocean in Downtown Santa Monica and adjacent to Third Street Promenade, the unique, all-outdoor Santa Monica Place is home to Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, DVF, Hugo Boss, BARNEYS NEW YORK, Nike, dozens more shops and an inspired collection of restaurants and entertainment experiences including True Food Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Sonoma Wine Garden, ArcLight Cinemas and more. Santa Monica Place also is home to a growing set of engaging, digitally native brands, such as b8ta, Ministry of Supply, Monica + Andy, Peloton and others.

 

For more information, visit SantaMonicaPlace.com or interact with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Access our Concierge services anytime via text: (310) 499-2928.

“We are excited to integrate the cultural traditions of the Lunar New Year holiday into Santa Monica Place’s shopping and dining experience,” commented Stephanie Eglin, Senior Manager, Marketing, Santa Monica Place. “The holiday is important to locals as well as to our international visitors and this event will offer an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.”

Santa Monica Place’s Lunar New Year celebration features a variety of free cultural activities for the whole family to experience. Patrons are invited to hang a wish on the branches of the two New Year’s Wishing Trees for a two-dollar donation. The proceeds will benefit Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) at UCLA. CSSA-UCLA is an officially registered on-campus organization devoted to organizing activities for Chinese student groups and promoting traditional Chinese culture on the UCLA campus.

More information about Santa Monica Place and the annual Lunar New Year event is available here.

Santa Monica Place is located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at Broadway and Third Street Promenade. The event will be held on level one in Center Plaza.

Lunar New Year Schedule of Events:

2 – 6 p.m.                              Chinese Music Duo

                                                Stilt Walkers

                                                Traditional Dough Artist

                                                Balloon Twister

                                                Arts & Crafts

                                                Wishing Trees

2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.     Korean Fan Dance

3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.     Chinese Dragon Dance

 Credit: SantaMonicaPlace.com.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXV Celebrates 25th Anniversary Feb. 17-18

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The Queen Mary is pleased to welcome back the annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXV on February 17-18, 2018. Celebrate 25 years of the annual event and experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment, drinks and cuisine all in ode to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy.

Eighty-eight years ago, in the quaint seaside town of Clydebank, Scotland, construction on the Queen Mary began. Exemplifying the finest craftsmanship of the country, the Queen Mary’s legacy is undeniable and today the ship’s heritage is celebrated through the two-day ScotsFestival honoring Scottish culture.

The 25th Anniversary of the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and International Highland Games will honor nearly fifty Scottish clans & vendors throughout the festival weekend with professional and amateur competitions in darts, piping, drumming, massed bands, Highland dancing, and Highland athletics. The Scottish Highland Games, a pre-cursor to today’s Olympic Games, was designed to test the strength, skill and technique of ancient warriors by face offs.

Kick-off ScotsFestival weekend at the festival’s all-new pop-up Greyfrair’s Pub on Friday, February 16 from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. on board the legendary ocean liner. Keep cozy into the wee hours of the night at the pop-up pub with authentic food, a full bar, and an amazing atmosphere. Begin your festivities for the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival with the traditional Address to the Haggis at 11 a.m. in the Exhibit Hall where the Queen Mary’s Executive Chef Todd will serve and cut Haggis in honor of the customary Scottish cultural celebration. Following the Address to Haggis, at 12 p.m. attendees will gather for the exciting and breathtaking Grand Parade of Clans & Bands.

Daily festivities include Border Collie sheep-herding, firing demonstrations, performances by the Royal Scots Greys Calvary, LA and OC Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and many more historic reenactments. Special for the 25th Annual ScotsFestival, the all-new Birds of Prey Show will offer attendees the opportunity to take photos with and learn the history of falconry in Scotland. With three shows offered daily, experience the beauty of falcons, owls, and hawks first hand in this one-of-a-kind Scottish entertainment.

Continue the fun into the night from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. with the Ceilihd on Saturday, February 17. Grab a pint and experience the traditional clans’ celebration with games, live music, food, drinks, dancing, and more. Tickets to the Ceilihd are $10 online and the event is open to all ages.

The Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival hosts World Champion Scottish Highland Dancers and many internationally acclaimed and award winning athletes competing for titles in stones, hammer throw, weights for distance, weight over bar, sheaf and the famed caber toss.

Whisky and scotch tasting sessions with aged malt experts are available for adult festival goers ($18) and well-known Chef McBride will demo authentic Celtic Cuisine in the Culinary Corner. The wee laddies and lassies can bear witness to Queen Mary’s knighting and coronation ceremonies, and even take part in the Wee Highland Games including youth competitions in caber toss, archery, potato sack races and tug o’ war. Adults can join in the amateur competition fun with activities like the all-new Adult Castle Obstacle Course where partakers can push through, crawl through, climb, and slide through an inflatable castle for the chance to win exciting prizes.

Tickets to the 25th Annual ScotsFestival and International Highlands Games are on sale now and start at $25 online (ages 12+) and $12 online (ages 4-11) for one day general admission. VIP tickets start at $45 online and includes VIP entry, access to shaded VIP Lounge, (1) drink ticket, and access to Ceilihd. Upgrades, ticket add-ons, and hotel packages will also be available. Discounts are available to military and seniors. Visit http://queenmary.com/events/scotsfestival/ for more details and to purchase tickets online.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors are a Must-Try!

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Polish slip-ups can happen but not with the Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors. They’re the newest innovation in at-home manicures. Just wrap your cuticles, paint on color and then peel away any mishaps. This means each hand (yes, both) will get the same, flawless results. It’s really that simple. Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors give you the freedom to paint your nails at home, mess-free.
Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors slip on so you can paint your nails then peel away any mistakes. Find the super-flex guard that fits your nails to create a barrier and ensure a flawless polish line, every time.
Formula & Benefits: Provides a perfect manicure for both hands, Salon precision at home, Super-flex guards that fit all nail shapes, No mess, no fuss, no polish clean up.
I tried these out for myself and I love them! I always get nail polish on my cuticles and I love how easy these are to use! They are my new favorite to-go-to beauty product!
Look for them where Sally Hansen products are sold!
Self Disclosure: I received a free sample and image was provided. 
Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Glen Ivy Dips Into the Season of Romance With Special Packages in February

February 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Glen Ivy Hot Springs welcomes the season of romance with two new wellness packages and gift card specials available during the month of February. The seasonal packages feature a selection of signature spa services for a special price.

Experience the waters at Glen Ivy with the “Healthy Balance” package that includes admission to all 19 therapeutic pools, a $100 spa service and complimentary fresh squeezed juice from Chill Zone for only $159. (Mid-week only, not available on holidays). Grab a group for the “Better With Friends” package, including all services in the “Healthy Balance” package, as well as a warm robe and a moisturizing Grotto treatment for two, $369 on weekends and $335 on weekdays (regularly priced $412).

Glen Ivy offers an unforgettable experience for loved ones with the “Cloud Nine” gift card. An example of what this luxurious gift card could cover for a day of romance would be sparkling wine and robes upon arrival, as well as private seating on the exclusive Ivy Terrace. Treat your loved one to a moisturizing Grotto service, a deeply refreshing facial, a relaxing massage and a wellness lunch at Ivy Kitchen. Purchase this Cloud Nine $400 gift card for $359, this January 22 – February 14.

Share this season of love with friends and family and give the gift of relaxation and wellness. From January 22 – February 14, purchase a $140 gift card for $125 and a $195 gift card for $175. Purchase two or more gift cards and receive complimentary shipping prior to February 10.

Credit: Glen Ivy.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner
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